NETWORKING MIXER: 2026 GRAMMY U Conference

Bea Koramblyum is currently the Global Head of Business Affairs and VP of Business Development for Downtown Music Publishing. Based in New York, she oversees all of the company’s business affairs activities and has played a key role in many high-profile transactions. Bea also serves on the Advisory Board for Women in Music and is on the Advisory Council for the Music Business program of her alma mater, Hofstra University. She serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Music Business Association and she is also an Adjunct Instructor at New York University teaching Music Publishing.

Two-time Grammy-nominated artist Divinity Roxx is a premier bassist, composer, and author. After touring with Victor Wooten, she served as bassist and Musical Director for Beyoncé. A prolific composer for stage and screen, she created the theme for PBS Kids’ Lyla in the Loop and composed a new work for the Peter Rabbit franchise. Her diverse portfolio includes Scholastic children’s books, voice-overs, and television commercials. Whether performing on SNL or the White House, Divinity remains a visionary force and fierce advocate for artists’ rights, dedicated to innovating the industry and empowering the next generation of creators.

Gloria Kaba is an acclaimed producer, engineer, and mixer with over 15 years of experience, recognized for her technical expertise and creative vision. She has contributed to major projects such as Solange’s *A Seat at the Table*, spent years collaborating with legendary producer Q-Tip, and worked with artists including Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, Kelela, Lauryn Hill, and Allison Russell. As a producer, her credits include Grammy-nominated Nathalie Joachim and ARIA Award-winning Baker Boy. She also spent 8 years at the legendary Power Station where she rose from engineer to technical director.

Jade Walters is a multi-hyphenate marketer and consultant working at the intersection of early career recruiting and brand storytelling. A proud first-gen Howard University alumna and 2025 TEDx speaker, she’s the founder of The Ninth Semester, an award-winning early career resources platform guiding 270,000 entry-level professionals on how to design their dream careers. Jade has held previous roles in Advertising Sales at TikTok and as an Employer Branding Consultant at the HR Tech company, Yello/WayUp, supporting early talent teams with hiring and attracting next-gen talent.

Joanie Leeds is a Grammy® Award-winning, New York City–based singer-songwriter, nationally touring artist, early childhood educator, and activist. A recognized leader in children’s music, she has received numerous honors, including three Emmy nominations and several international songwriting awards. She has performed at premier venues and festivals such as Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, The Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, Billboard, NPR, and Parents Magazine. With 12 critically acclaimed albums, she continues to inspire audiences nationwide and recently expanded into publishing with her debut book, Breathe Deep. Joanie is a proud Recording Academy member and serves as a Governor on the New York Chapter Board.

One of the top dance music professionals on the planet, Lawrence Lui has worked as Sr. Director of Marketing at Universal Music, leading campaigns for Swedish House Mafia, Moby, deadmau5, Chemical Brothers, Pet Shop Boys, Porter Robinson, John Summit, Keinemusik, Honey Dijon, Above & Beyond and many more. He founded the world's premiere marketing agency for dance/electronic music and served as VP of the New York Chapter of the Recording Academy/Grammys. He is also a music artist with over 5 million streams.

Linda Ferrando is founder of LTF Entertainment Group, a company specializing in artist management, music marketing, and strategy. She represents a diverse roster of artists and organizations strategically elevating their profiles and overseeing all aspects of their careers on a global scale. With expertise in developing comprehensive music release campaigns, producing live events, managing budgets, contract negotiations, rights management, and digital media strategies, Linda plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of her clients. Additionally, she provides coaching and consulting services to emerging independent artists, guiding them through the complexities of the ever changing music industry. Prior to this Linda spent 20 years at Atlantic Records as Sr VP, and Apple Music.

Lynn Gonzalez is an experienced entertainment attorney and music executive providing counsel on matters related to dealmaking, music publishing, production, content strategy, entrepreneurship, talent brand development, licensing, and intellectual property. Lynn has been named to Billboard's "Top Music Lawyers" list, which annually profiles the best legal minds in the industry. In addition to her work at the firm, Lynn teaches a graduate level music law class in NYU’s Music Business Program and formerly taught music industry and copyright at Hunter College. Lynn most recently served as the Executive Vice President and Head of Business Affairs and Business Development at Def Jam Recordings, where she was the label's lead attorney and oversaw matters for its roster of artists, including Kanye West, Rihanna, Big Sean and Justin Bieber. Prior to Universal, Lynn was counsel for Atlantic Records and Razor and Tie Entertainment. She also taught music industry and copyright at Hunter College in NYC after beginning her career as an intellectual property attorney at the Wall Street-based law firm, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP. Lynn has a passion for mentoring and was a founder and the president of the Black Women in Entertainment Law Foundation, a non-profit that mentored and funded scholarships for women of color in entertainment law. She is also proud to be a member of the NY Chapter of the Recording Academy, where she currently serves as the chapter's Secretary. Lynn's a graduate of New York University's Music Business Program and studied at University of Southern California School of Law and the University of Amsterdam School of Law before receiving her degree from NYU Law.

A 35-year music industry veteran, Lynne Sheridan is the Senior Vice President of Public Programs and Artist Relations at The Grammy Museum. Sheridan has booked and produced over 2000 public programs with artists such as White, John Legend, Barbra Streisand, Sting, Paul Simon, Brandi Carlile, Robert Plant, Billie Eilish, and more. In 2022, Sheridan launched the Grammy Museum brand on the east coast with “A New York Evening With” - producing programs at venues throughout the city, with artists such as Jon Batiste, Japanese Breakfast, Jacob Collier, Addison Rae, Lola Young, Olivia Dean and more. Sheridan previously worked at Columbia Records, Epic Records, Tommy Boy Music and the Bob Dylan Music Company.

MILITIA VOX is an Alternative Metal music and visual artist. This award-winning heavy music trailblazer has worked with Rob Halford, Cyndi Lauper, Living Colour, Twisted Sister, Kathleen Hanna, Candlebox, L7, dUg Pinnick, John Petrucci, Nuno Bettencourt, 24-7 Spyz and more. She headlines festivals, such as Wasteland Weekend, apoXeast and Afropunk Festival. Militia has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Off-Broadway, in National and European Tours of rock musicals. She Hosted and VJ’ed on Fuse, MTV2 and Vh1. Militia is in books and films, including Betty Davis documentary “They Say I’m Different.” She is signed to Golden Robot Records [Sony/The Orchard.]

Nick Cucci has more than 40 years’ experience in the music industry.  Besides holding senior positions at Rough Trade Records, Columbia Records, RCA Records and MTV, he was instrumental in creating and implementing marketing campaigns for Christina Aguilera, David Bowie, Jessica Simpson, Dixie Chicks, Soul Asylum, Harry Connick Jr, Kate Bush, KISS, The Pixies, Lucinda Williams, Coheed & Cambria, and many more.  Before joining the Recording Academy’s New York Chapter, he was Executive Director of LifeBeat-Music Fights HIV/AIDS, a nationally prominent non-profit organization.  Nick is now in his 11th year at the Recording Academy.

Nikisha Bailey is a music executive, cultural curator, and innovator whose 15 year career has helped shape artists like Kehlani, Kevin Gates, Charlie Puth, and Bruno Mars. She has led A&R, operations, and marketing at Atlantic Records, APG, Nvak Collective, and Universal Music Group, earning Billboard and Forbes recognition. Now a Drexel University professor, she teaches artist management and entrepreneurship while serving as a Recording Academy Trustee and Women in Music Advisor. She also co-founded Win Win Coffee, a mission driven coffee company advancing equity and transparency in global supply chains, partnering with major brands like Oatly and Warner Music Group to create lasting community impact.

Noshir Mody is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, composer, and producer based in New York City, who has crafted a distinctive sound that melds the intricate textures of Indian classical music with the improvisational elements of jazz and the emotive power of progressive rock. His work is deeply rooted in storytelling — exploring themes of identity, connection, and transformation through a nuanced and expressive musical voice. Noshir serves as a Governor of the Recording Academy’s New York Chapter and Co-Chair of its Music Education and Professional Development (MEPD) Committee, where he helps shape initiatives supporting the next generation of artists.

Ruby Marchand is Chief Awards & Global Industry Officer at the Recording Academy®, overseeing Grammy Awards, membership, and key industry initiatives including Grammy U and the Producers & Engineers and Songwriters & Composers Wings. A veteran music executive, she previously held senior A&R and leadership roles at Warner Music Group and served as an adjunct professor at NYU. Marchand has been recognized by Billboard Women in Music and the T.J. Martell Foundation for her influential contributions to the music industry.

Seunghee Lee (aka Sunny Kang) is a Grammy-nominated clarinetist and TEDx speaker redefining what it means to build a career in classical music. Based in New York City, she champions innovative pathways for musicians, blending artistic excellence with influential arts leadership. She is the founder of Musica Solis, an independent classical label and publisher, and creator of the lecture series You Are the Company. Ms. Lee serves as Chair of the Board at Concert Artists Guild and holds board leadership roles with the Recording Academy, Yale School of Music, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

Stefanie Grafstein is an Associate on the Publishing Business Affairs team at leading global talent, sports, entertainment, and advisory company, UTA. In her role, she supports publishing deals and offerings for UTA clients across all departments. Stefanie is a proud graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Prior to attending the University of Miami School of Law, she developed and directed an original IGTV series through BuzzFeed and Instagram’s VerticalU creator program. That experience solidified her passion for advocating for creatives and artists. As a former GrammyU member, Stefanie is thrilled to return as a mentor this year to help shape the next generation of artists and creative advocates.

Music fans have been singing praises of Syreeta Thompson for over a decade. Thompson’s “Winner and “Evolution of a Winner” both debuted #1 in both jazz and gospel charts. Syreeta is a Grammy award Winner and a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and she holds a Master's Degree from NYU in film scoring, jazz composition and arranging. She also has skillfully written six music curriculums for the East Orange School Districts and is a Master Music Educator with the New Jersey Education Association. Amongst, Thompson’s other projects she remains focused on paying it forward to the next generation of female musicians with a documentary entitled Blow Yo Horn; Making Music In a Man’s World that’s currently in production. Blow Yo Horn; Making Music In a Man’s World profiles female musicians, music producers, instrumentalist and song writers who have yet to have commercial success.

Tracey Miller is Founder/President of Tracey Miller & Associates, Inc (TMA) an accomplished music/entertainment communications company specializing in strategic marketing campaigns. Prior to TMA, Miller co-owned and developed NYC indie label Fake Doom Records. One of the few women at the time occupying multiple spaces of the music business, Miller gained experience in radio promotion, record production, marketing and distribution before joining international indie powerhouse Profile Records and their five associated labels becoming SRVP of Communications/Artist Development. TMA is recognized among colleagues for championing emerging talent as well as multi-platform positioning of culture-moving artists and brands across the entertainment spectrum.

Will Wells is a producer, songwriter, and musical director whose work spans film, television, and global stages. He has collaborated with icons including Quincy Jones, Wyclef Jean, Logic, Anthony Ramos, Pentatonix, and Imagine Dragons. Wells executive produced and co-wrote Cynthia Erivo’s album I Forgive You and co-produced “Stand Up” from Harriet, which earned Academy Award and Grammy nominations. A longtime Electronic Music Producer for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, he has also contributed to major productions including Emily in Paris and Wicked: One Wonderful Night. Wells serves as Musical Director for ESPN’s Heisman Trophy Ceremony and sits on boards for the Recording Academy and BMI Foundation. He is a producer, songwriter, and musical director whose work spans film, television, and global stage, and has collaborated with icons including Quincy Jones, Wyclef Jean, Logic, Anthony Ramos, Pentatonix, and Imagine Dragons. Wells executive produced and co-wrote Cynthia Erivo’s album I Forgive You and co-produced “Stand Up” from Harriet, which earned Academy Award and Grammy nominations.